Archive of Our Own

Seidō’s baseball team sat together in the stands, watching Inashiro Industrial’s match against another powerhouse team. It wasn’t their own game, but as a team aiming for nationals, it was important to keep an eye on the competition. The stadium buzzed with energy as the game unfolded, but Miyuki Kazuya was only half paying attention. His gaze flickered toward the mound, where Narumiya Mei was delivering pitch after pitch, his expression sharp and focused.

Despite the distance, Kazuya could tell when Mei was in his element. The confident way he adjusted his cap, the little smirk playing on his lips whenever he struck someone out—it was all classic Mei. And Kazuya, ever the observant catcher, took in every little detail.

“Man, Narumiya’s really something,” Kuramochi whistled, leaning forward. “I hate to admit it, but his control is insane.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Kazuya muttered, leaning his chin on his hand. He’d seen Mei’s pitching up close more times than he could count, but it was still frustratingly impressive.

“You don’t sound too excited about it,” Kuramochi teased. “What, tired of watching your boyfriend show off?”

Kazuya snorted. “He’s always showing off. It’s nothing new.”

A few of the guys nearby turned to give him curious looks, but Kazuya ignored them. His relationship with Mei wasn’t exactly public knowledge, but he didn’t go out of his way to hide it either. Mei, on the other hand, got a kick out of keeping things subtle—like sneaking glances at Kazuya during practice matches or grinning just a little too widely whenever they faced each other on the field.

By the time the game ended, Inashiro had secured their win, and Mei, as expected, was basking in the victory. Kazuya watched from afar as Mei greeted his teammates, flashing that cocky grin of his. But even from the stands, Kazuya could tell Mei was distracted.

And sure enough, not long after, Kazuya got a text.

Mei: Meet me. Convenience store. 5 minutes.

Kazuya huffed a laugh. Sneaky as ever.

He stretched lazily before getting up from the stands. The rest of Seidō was still talking about the game, but he wasn’t worried about being noticed. He knew how to slip away unnoticed when he wanted to. Mei wasn’t the only one who could be sneaky.
Under the excuse of grabbing a drink, Kazuya casually made his way out of the stadium, hands tucked into his pockets. The air was cool, a stark contrast to the lingering heat from the game. It didn’t take him long to spot Mei, standing just outside a nearby convenience store with his cap pulled low.

“You’re not as subtle as you think,” Kazuya called as he approached.

Mei turned to face him, his lips curving into an unrepentant grin. “Took you long enough.”

Kazuya rolled his eyes. “You do realize you just finished a game, right? Your team’s probably wondering where their ace ran off to.”
Mei huffed. “They’ll be fine without me for a bit. Besides, I deserve a break after carrying them.”

“Cocky as ever,” Kazuya mused, opening the convenience store door and stepping inside. Mei followed, tugging off his cap and running a hand through his slightly damp hair.

The store was quiet, aside from the hum of refrigerators and the soft music playing overhead. Kazuya watched as Mei made a beeline for the ice cream section, his focus entirely on the frozen treats in front of him.

“You really ditched your team just for ice cream?” Kazuya asked, amused.

Mei crouched down, scanning the options. “Not just any ice cream. The good stuff.”

Kazuya leaned against the freezer, watching as Mei pulled out a familiar container. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What?” Mei frowned, hugging the tub of rum raisin like it was a prized possession.

“Of all the flavors, you go for that?” Kazuya snickered, shaking his head. “Who even eats rum raisin? It’s like something a grandma would pick.”

Mei shot him an indignant look. “You have no taste.”

“Oh, I have taste,” Kazuya countered, crossing his arms. “That’s why I’d never choose that.”

Mei narrowed his eyes, clutching the ice cream tighter. “It’s refined. Not everyone can appreciate it.”

Kazuya gave him an exaggerated once-over. “Right. Because you’re so refined.”

Mei scowled. “Shut up.”

Despite his teasing, Kazuya sighed and reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet. He flicked through the bills before tossing some onto the counter. “Fine. Get your old-man ice cream.”
Mei brightened instantly, his expression flipping from irritated to delighted in a second. He looked downright smug as he placed the ice cream on the counter, as if he had won some kind of battle.

Kazuya watched the transformation with a smirk. “You look like a kid right now.”

Mei ignored him in favor of grabbing a spoon from the counter and popping the lid open the second they stepped outside. He took a large bite, eyes half-lidded in satisfaction. “So good.”
Kazuya shook his head. “Unbelievable.”

Mei shot him a triumphant look. “You still bought it for me, though.”

Kazuya huffed. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t get used to it.”

Mei just grinned around another spoonful.

The streetlights flickered softly as the two of them strolled down the quiet sidewalk, Mei was too focused on his ice cream to pay attention to much else, and Kazuya found himself shaking his head as he watched him eat with ridiculous enthusiasm.
“You’re really acting like that’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted,” Kazuya remarked, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Mei hummed contentedly, taking another spoonful. “Because it is.”

Kazuya raised an eyebrow. “Not even close.”

Mei scoffed, waving his spoon in Kazuya’s direction. “You wouldn’t get it. Your taste buds are basic.”

“Basic?” Kazuya repeated, sounding genuinely offended. “Excuse me? I actually have standards. Unlike someone who voluntarily chooses rum raisin over literally any other flavor.”

Mei took another exaggerated bite, eyes closed in pure bliss. “And yet, I’m the one enjoying life right now.”

Kazuya rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the slight tug at his lips. Watching Mei be so unabashedly happy over something as simple as ice cream was… entertaining, to say the least.
“You’re ridiculous,” Kazuya muttered.

Mei shot him a sideways glance, his expression smug. “And yet, you still snuck away with me.”

Kazuya exhaled through his nose, looking away. “Well, someone had to make sure you didn’t get kidnapped.”

Mei snorted. “Right. Because the ace of Inashiro is such an easy target.”

“You? Definitely,” Kazuya said without hesitation. “I bet if someone offered you free rum raisin, you’d walk right into a van.”
Mei hesitated.

Kazuya stared at him, then burst out laughing. “Oh my God, you totally would.”

Mei scowled, shoveling another spoonful into his mouth. “Shut up.”

Kazuya was still chuckling, his laughter deep and genuine.

“Unbelievable. I should put a tracker on you.”

They reached a small park, the only people around being a couple of joggers and an old man walking his dog. Mei plopped down on a bench and continued eating, swinging one leg idly. Kazuya sat beside him, stretching his arms along the back of the bench as he gazed up at the sky.

The cool air was refreshing, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. It was comfortable. Peaceful. They didn’t get moments like this often—not with baseball constantly keeping them busy.

Mei broke the silence first. “You think you’ll win against us this year?”

Kazuya smirked. “Obviously.”

Mei snorted. “Keep dreaming, Kazuya.”

“I always dream big,” Kazuya shot back. “It’s what makes me better than you.”

Mei clicked his tongue. “I’m still gonna strike you out.”

“Doubt it.”

Mei leaned in closer, tilting his chin up defiantly. “Wanna bet?”

Kazuya looked at him, their faces just inches apart now, and grinned. “If you do, I’ll buy you all the rum raisin you want.”

Mei’s eyes gleamed. “Deal.”

Kazuya chuckled, watching as Mei returned to his ice cream with renewed determination.

Honestly, this idiot was way too easy to please.

Mei dug his spoon into the melting ice cream, taking another slow bite as if savoring his impending victory. “You should start saving up now, Kazu,” he said smugly. “After all, I’m going to strike you out, and you’ll owe me so much rum raisin.”

Kazuya smirked, leaning back on the bench. “You’re assuming I’ll even let you pitch to me.”

Mei paused mid-bite, eyes narrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Kazuya shrugged. “Maybe I’ll walk. Maybe I’ll bunt. Maybe I’ll just let you think you’ve got me cornered before I send one flying out of the park.”

Mei scoffed. “You talk too much.”

“And you're as cocky as ever,” Kazuya countered smoothly.
Mei pointed his spoon at him threateningly. “Keep that attitude, and I’ll make sure to embarrass you in front of all your precious fans.”

Kazuya chuckled. “Oh? And how are you planning on doing that?”

“I’ll strike you out with my best pitch,” Mei said with absolute confidence. “Right when the game is at its peak. The crowd will be holding their breath. You’ll step up to bat, all confident like you always are, and then—” Mei snapped his fingers, grinning. “Gone. You’ll walk back to the dugout with that stupid look on your face.”
Kazuya hummed in amusement. “Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into this.”

Mei shrugged, licking his spoon. “Just picturing the future.”

Kazuya sighed dramatically. “And here I thought you were sneaking out just to see me.”

Mei rolled his eyes but didn’t respond right away. Instead, he scooped up another bite of ice cream, eating a little slower this time.

“…You know I did,” Mei muttered, almost too quiet to hear.
Kazuya turned his head toward him, an eyebrow raised. “What was that?”

Mei huffed, looking away. “I said, you know I did.”

Kazuya smirked, enjoying how Mei refused to meet his gaze. “Aww, Mei, that’s so sweet. Do you miss me?”

“Shut up,” Mei grumbled, glaring at the ground.

Kazuya laughed, nudging him with his elbow. “You’re bad at this whole ‘acting cool’ thing.”

Mei scowled, but there was a faint pink dusting his cheeks. “I am cool.”

Kazuya grinned. “Yeah, yeah. The coolest.”

Mei shoved a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, clearly deciding it was better to eat than continue arguing.
They sat there for a while, the occasional breeze rustling through the trees. Even though they came from rival schools, even though they were both constantly pushing each other to be better, moments like this made everything else fade into the background.

Kazuya stretched his arms over his head, glancing at Mei, who was still happily eating his ice cream. “Alright, you got what you wanted. Time to head back before your team realizes you’re missing.”

But instead of agreeing, Mei just kept eating, completely ignoring him.

Kazuya narrowed his eyes. “Mei.”

Mei shoved another spoonful into his mouth and turned away. “Can’t hear you. Too busy enjoying my ice cream.”

Kazuya exhaled through his nose, crossing his arms. “You’re being difficult on purpose.”

“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not,” Mei repeated, even as he inched farther away like a stubborn child refusing to go home.

Kazuya pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mei. What do you want?”
Mei’s spoon slowed. He didn’t answer right away, his usual confident, bratty attitude flickering into something more subdued. He glanced at Kazuya for a second before quickly looking away, suddenly finding the pavement very interesting.

“…I just don’t wanna go back yet.”

Kazuya tilted his head. “And why’s that?”

Mei sighed, poking at his ice cream. His voice dropped to a mumble.

“…I’m gonna miss you.”

Kazuya blinked, caught off guard by the quiet admission. Mei refused to look at him, his ears slightly pink as he dug his spoon into the carton, clearly trying to act like he hadn’t just said something soft.

Kazuya let out a small, knowing sigh. “…You idiot.”

Mei finally glanced at him, pouting. “What?”

Kazuya stepped closer, reaching up to flick the brim of Mei’s cap. “It’s not like we’re never gonna see each other again. We literally just snuck out together.”

Mei huffed. “That’s not the point.”

Kazuya exhaled, shaking his head, but his usual smirk had softened into something gentler. He reached out and tugged lightly on Mei’s sleeve. “Hey. Don’t get all sulky on me now.”
Mei pouted deeper, stabbing his spoon into the melting ice cream. Kazuya sighed before stepping even closer, lowering his voice. “You know I’ll see you next week, right?”

Mei looked up, confused. “Huh?”

Kazuya smirked. “I’m staying over at your place next week, remember?”

Mei’s eyes widened slightly before he looked away, lips pressing together as if trying to hold back a smile. “…Oh.”

Kazuya chuckled. “Yeah, so don’t act like we’re being separated forever.”

Mei muttered, “Still too long.”

Kazuya rolled his eyes but reached out, ruffling Mei’s hair despite the other’s protests. “Just text me, brat. I’ll reply.”

Mei still looked pouty, but the corners of his lips twitched upward. He stuffed another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth, grumbling under his breath.

Kazuya just watched, smiling to himself.

What a pain. But he wouldn’t trade him for anything.

The walk back was slow, mostly because Mei was dragging his feet. Kazuya didn’t rush him, though. He knew Mei hated returning to his team after a game, especially when he had to deal with post-match analysis and his coach nitpicking every little detail.

“Bet Harada-san is gonna scold you for running off,” Kazuya said casually.

Mei groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

Kazuya smirked. “And your coach? He’s definitely going to make you run for this.”

Mei gave him a deadpan look. “You’re terrible at making me feel better.”

Kazuya laughed. “I’m just preparing you for your fate.”

Mei clicked his tongue. “Tch. Not all of us get to be lazy captains who do whatever they want.”

Kazuya placed a hand over his chest in mock offense. “Lazy?
Excuse me, I’m a very responsible captain.”

Mei snorted. “You literally ditched your entire team just to come see me.”

Kazuya grinned. “And I’d do it again.”

Mei blinked at him, caught off guard for just a second. Then he scoffed, looking away. “Yeah, well… I’d ditch mine too.”

Kazuya chuckled. “I know you would.”

They walked a little further, the distant lights of the stadium growing closer. The sounds of their teams were faint but getting louder the nearer they got.

Mei sighed dramatically. “This was nice. Too bad we have to go back to pretending that we’re just rivals and nothing more.”

Kazuya smirked. “Come on. I thought you loved our little rivalry.”

Mei rolled his eyes. “I do. But it’s annoying when I actually want to hang out and can’t.”

Kazuya hummed. “Who says you can’t? Anyways, we’ll play with each other soon.”

Mei shot him a sideways glance. “You better not go easy on me next time we play.”

Kazuya laughed. “You wish I would.”

They reached the point where they had to split, with Inashiro’s team gathered near their bus and Seidō’s group still lingering outside the stadium entrance. Mei pulled his cap back down, tilting it slightly to cover his face.

Kazuya grinned, stepping back. “See you at the next game, Mei.”

Mei smirked. “See you on the field, Kazuya.”

And with that, they both turned, heading back to their teams as if nothing had happened.

Only Kazuya knew that Mei’s lips were still stained with the faintest trace of rum raisin ice cream.

And only Mei knew that Kazuya had already made up his mind to buy him another tub the next time they snuck away.

Kazuya stepped onto Seidō’s bus, casually making his way to his usual seat beside Kuramochi. As soon as he sat down, he leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head, acting as if nothing had happened.

Kuramochi, however, didn’t even wait a second before turning to him with a knowing grin.

“C’mon, man, at least act like you didn’t sneak out with Narumiya,” he said, elbowing Kazuya in the side. “You’ve got that look all over your face.”

Kazuya raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. “What look?”

Kuramochi rolled his eyes, snorting. “The ‘I just snuck out with my boyfriend’ look.”

Kazuya scoffed, but the way he turned his head slightly toward the window to hide his smirk didn’t go unnoticed.
“Dunno what you’re talking about,” he muttered.

Kuramochi just laughed. “Yeah, sure, whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Kazuya huffed, but as the bus started moving, he glanced at his phone. A new message from Mei popped up on the screen.

Mei: Next time, you’re buying me two ice creams. No complaints.
Kazuya chuckled to himself, shaking his head before typing out a response.

Kazuya: Yeah, yeah. No promises.

He could practically hear Mei’s bratty huff through the screen.

And somehow, that made him smile even more.